Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Discover how to sharpen your digital defense skills using a free, browser-based simulation that trains you to identify modern phishing and fraud tactics.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 13, 2026

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How confident are you that you can spot a fake text from your bank or a fraudulent "urgent" email from a coworker?

As digital threats become more sophisticated, the traditional advice to just "look for typos" no longer cuts it. 

Scammers now use high-quality branding and psychological triggers to bypass our natural skepticism. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Play the "Be Scam Ready" Game from Google.

This "Be Scam Ready" game puts you in the hot seat to test your instincts against realistic, real-world scenarios.

Feature Explanation

The "Be Scam Ready" game is an educational web platform that uses interactive storytelling to teach users about the most common online threats. 

It operates on a simple premise: show, don't just tell. 

Instead of reading a manual on digital safety, you play through a series of simulations that mimic actual emails, text messages, and phone calls.

The game focuses on three core pillars of scam detection: identifying the sender, verifying the request, and resisting the pressure of artificial urgency. 

As you navigate each scenario, the tool highlights subtle red flags that even tech-savvy users might miss. 

It is designed to build "muscle memory" for your brain, so when a real threat hits your inbox, you instinctively know what to check before clicking.

What You’ll Gain

• Heightened Awareness: Learn to recognize the psychological tactics like fear and urgency that scammers use to cloud your judgment.
• Practical Verification Skills: Master the "Check, Don't Click" method by learning how to verify sources outside of the suspicious message.
• Confidence: Gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can protect your personal and financial data.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)

1. Open your browser such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox.
2. Go to the official game website: bescamready.withgoogle.com.
3. Click Play Game.
4. Click Start to Be Scam Ready.
5. Read each scenario carefully.
6. Choose whether the interaction is legitimate or a scam.
7. Review the explanation provided after each decision.
8. Continue until the game ends and review your results.

fig. 1 - Play Be Scam Ready Example

iOS and Android

1. Open Safari or Chrome.
2. Visit: bescamready.withgoogle.com.
3. Tap Play Game.
4. Tap Start to Be Scam Ready.
5. Play each scenario and select your answer.
6. Review the feedback to learn from mistakes.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Highly engaging and interactive compared to traditional security training.
• Completely free and requires no account creation or personal data.
• Scenarios are updated to reflect modern tactics like "smishing" (SMS phishing).

Cons: 

• Requires an active internet connection to play.
• Some advanced users may find the initial levels too basic.

Feature Access

• The tool is available globally to anyone with a modern web browser.
• Version: Web-based (v1.0).
• Availability: Currently live and accessible to the general public.
• Cost: Free.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 10

Essential knowledge provided at zero cost to the user.

Usability    9

Intuitive interface that works across all devices.

Wow Factor 8

Turns a dry, scary topic into an engaging challenge.

Total: 27/30   🌟 Excellent

This is a must-use resource for anyone who spends time online, providing a rare "fun" way to handle a serious security responsibility.

Key Takeaways

This interactive experience empowers users to take control of their digital safety by practicing in a risk- free environment. 

By mastering these simple verification steps, you significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to identity theft or financial fraud.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Be Scam Ready Game
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
• Quick Benefit: Trains your brain to spot phishing and fraud through realistic simulations.
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Free

Try It Yourself

Visit the Be Scam Ready site today and see if you can get a perfect score on your first try. 

Once you finish, share this article with your family and coworkers to help keep your entire circle safe. 

Don't forget to subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily tech insights!

READ MORE

• Real-Time Scareware Protection Expands in Microsoft Edge
  
• FBI Warns: Don't Fall for This Debit Card Scam
  
• Cut the Jargon: Why This Game Might Be the Security Game You Need to Play
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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